MUMBAI: Yesterday, veteran celebrity photographer and photojournalist Jagdish Mali was cremated at Shivaji Park, in Dadar. The last rites were performed by his daughter, actress Antara Mali, who was visibly disturbed by her father’s sudden demise.

The reasons for his death are as yet unknown, though sources indicate he was admitted to Nanavati hospital for various ailments stemming from his alcohol addiction.

The photographer was laid to rest at the crematorium at Shivaji Park, after passing away on Sunday morning. Very few celebrities attended the funeral though, the most noteworthy being actress Sharbani Mukherjee and filmmaker Ashok Pandit.

However, many of Mali’s colleagues sang paeans of praise for the late photographer.

“What set him apart was his creativity with frames. One gets a glimpse of that in his photographs of Rekha. In each frame he has presented a unique side of the veteran actor,” said photographer Subi Samuel.

Fashion photographer Dabboo Ratnani said, “Mali Sir’s pictures of Rekha, Jackie Shroff and Pooja Bhatt were really special. I shall never forget a picture of Jackie leaning against a brick wall. His work was far better when he shot on locations rather than when he confined himself to a studio. One thing which I shall never forget about Mali sir is that he was never insecure. He always welcomed young photographers in the industry. I remember my own case, when I spoke to him in my early days, he was more than willing to share his ideas and thoughts.”

Contemporary leading fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar added, “Mali Sir was the pioneer of celebrity photography. He was always present at photography meetings. He was an institute of learning for all aspirants in our field.”